Baltimore County has noted a recent increase in the number of serious pedestrian crashes -- and contrary to public perception, the pedestrian is at fault in about 80 percent of these incidents.

This Thursday, June 19 at 11:30 a.m., Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz, Police Chief Jim Johnson and Fire Chief John Hohman will discuss the issue of pedestrian crashes along roadways in Baltimore County and announce a coordinated public awareness campaign for pedestrians. BCoPD and BCoFD handle about 420 pedestrian-vehicle crashes each year. The number of fatal pedestrian crashes increased in 2013 against each of the previous five years.

The event will be held at the Randallstown Fire Station, 3610 Brenbrook Rd., 21133.

Attendees will include officers from BCoPD and BCoFD who have been working together on this issue; representatives from the Department of Public Works involved in engineering changes designed to improve pedestrian safety; and representatives from the Baltimore Metropolitan Council and MVA's Maryland Highway Safety Office.